The cytotoxic and antiproliferative effect of Polygala saponin XLIV on the human colorectal carcinoma cell line

Abstract

Objectives Saponins are secondary metabolites naturally found in plants with diverse pharmacological properties such as anticancer. This research aimed to explore the anti-cancer properties of Polygalasaponin XLIV (PS-XLIV) in a human colorectal carcinoma cell line derived from Polygala vulgaris roots.Methods HCT166 cells were treated with different PS-XLIV concentrations and incubated for 24 and 48 h. We used immunocytochemistry to investigate PS-XLIV's anti-cancer properties, employing antibodies targeting WNT3A, WNT11, STAT3, beta-catenin, and Ki-67. The IC50 value of PS-XLIV was 80 mu g/mL in HCT116 cells. WNT11, STAT3, beta-catenin, and Ki-67. Immunoreactivities significantly decreased in PS-XLIV-treated HCT116 cells than in control group cells.Results After PS-XLIV treatment, the epithelial morphology of cells was protected; however, the number of cells was less than that of the control group cells. While WNT3A immunoreactivity was similar in both groups, WNT11 and beta-catenin immunoreactivities were decreased after PS-XLIV application. In addition, the PS-XLIV treated group exhibited significantly weaker Ki-67 immunoreactivity, STAT3 immunoreactivty was moderated after PS-XLIV application.Conclusions For the first time, the anticancer effects of PS-XLIV isolated from P. vulgaris on HCT116 cells were shown. The anticancer effect may involve PS-XLIV reducing WNT11, beta-catenin, STAT3, and Ki-67 activation pathways in HCT116 cells.